Another therapy assignment... I found it triggering at times and helpful at others. The worldview was a little wonky and several of the homework assigAnother therapy assignment... I found it triggering at times and helpful at others. The worldview was a little wonky and several of the homework assignments didn't apply to me because of it....more
I've had this book sitting on my shelves for a long time now, and I finally got to read it as a buddy-read with The Very Awesome Mikayla.
It was so goI've had this book sitting on my shelves for a long time now, and I finally got to read it as a buddy-read with The Very Awesome Mikayla.
It was so good, y'all! Whenever I thought the book was veering one way theologically, the next chapter would address my issue, bringing balance and deep encouragement. I loved the emphasis on God's sovereignty in tandem with His mercy, and the C.A.L.M. acronym was immensely helpful.
There were some highly quotable passages I'll definitely be revisiting.
A quick word about "taking thoughts captive"... while this book doesn't deny the existence of intrusive thoughts it never addresses them, so if you struggle in this area, this part of the book might not be for you. ;) Some of us have brains that are not easily controlled, and God has grace for that....more
This book was a feast of knowledge, but it was the author's own experiences and perspective that often brought me to tears. A very good read.This book was a feast of knowledge, but it was the author's own experiences and perspective that often brought me to tears. A very good read....more
(Before we get started, I just want to say, I delayed my writing time yesterday to finish reading this book, so it was mildly successful at its stated(Before we get started, I just want to say, I delayed my writing time yesterday to finish reading this book, so it was mildly successful at its stated goal. Though only *mildly* successful. XD )
If you’ve been following me for any amount of time, you probably already know that I’m not a happy reader of non-fiction. I’m beginning to think I was reading (er, attempting to read) the wrong type of non-fiction, but that’s a story for another time.
This book happened to be on a topic I’m highly interested in, written in a painfully humorous, satirical style, and while it claimed not to be, it ended up being very helpful. I especially felt called out by the “advice” to “make writing not fun anymore”. I fall into that sometimes, and not even on purpose. XD I also loved the balanced view of “plotting” vs. “pantsing”, and deep in this messy draft of my own, I needed the reminder of just how special a first draft is.
Best quotes: “A finished draft, no matter how flawed, is a very dangerous thing.”
“Whatever it takes to prevent you having fun, do it. Deliberately use a writing method that doesn’t work for you. Force yourself to take the draft in a direction you’re not excited about just to make it more marketable. Write while being chased by a swarm of killer bees.”
I will definitely be sharing this book with others, and I’m excited to look up a few things on the list of “Resources to Avoid”. ;)...more
I don't really read a lot of non-fiction. (Apparently, I didn't even have a shelf for it on here until today. XD) But this book was amazing. With honeI don't really read a lot of non-fiction. (Apparently, I didn't even have a shelf for it on here until today. XD) But this book was amazing. With honesty, humor, and humility, Max Lucado shared exactly what my heart needed. It was good to be reminded of how amazing, loving, and faithful God is. I'm so glad He brought me this book; it's exactly what this hope-starved child needed. It's definitely one to read again.
(Please note, many translations of the Bible were referenced throughout including Eugene Peterson's commentary, The Message.)...more
I’m an introvert. 86% on the MBTI scale, if anyone is asking.
I struggle to want to go to social events, struggle to enjoy them long while I’m there, I’m an introvert. 86% on the MBTI scale, if anyone is asking.
I struggle to want to go to social events, struggle to enjoy them long while I’m there, and am so bad at introductions I generally avoid them. I’m better at imaginary, practice conversations than real ones. I’ve grown to accept and (mostly) love this aspect of my personality, but I’ve been through times where I felt undervalued in this world and had the social skills of a baby alien.
The arts and some of the lovely and admirable people I’ve met through them have helped. The cutesy memes and entirely loveable, nerdy fictional characters have too. My parents’ support and my siblings eventually understanding that I don’t hate people just too many for too long have been a key. And the world’s most understanding and friendly extrovert and an inquisitive, thoughtful introvert adopted me as their friend for some inexplicable reason, and I’m so grateful.
But I still needed every word of this book, and I’m so glad to have read it. It gave me tips for navigating this world built for extroverts, and it reminded me again of things I’ve learned by trial and error and about why they’re important. I’ve been feeling a little extra stressed/depressed lately and had a few lightbulb moments while reading, especially in sections about self-care. (I should probably get back into journaling…)
But most importantly, this book is a scientifically-based (but not boring--there are comics and interesting stories ;) ) love letter to introverts everywhere. I cried. God made this world to be a two-sided coin personality-wise, and especially in the chapters on extrovert/introvert team-ups and introverted “powers”, I was reminded of my value. <3
I would love to time travel and hand this book to eleven-year-old Kate and tell her she’s not an alien, she is wonderful and loved, and she will learn to stretch and get to talk about the things she cares about without dying from fright. Instead, I passed it to my 14-year-old introverted sister and I’ll have it ready for my baby nephew when he’s a little older than four.
It’s that good.
(Notes: As an adult who has tried to read the scholarly masterpiece that is Quiet by Susan Cain and failed, this book was not too low of a reading level or cutesy. It was well thought out, respectful, and helpful.
If you are concerned about the handling of extroversion, I found it minimal since this is a book for introverts but respectful. Read reviews by extroverts if you would like to see how they felt about it.
Easy to read and engrossing, this is the perfect companion to everything I learned from Structuring Your Novel and 5 Secrets of Story Structure. I higEasy to read and engrossing, this is the perfect companion to everything I learned from Structuring Your Novel and 5 Secrets of Story Structure. I highly recommend this to anyone planning (or struggling with rewriting ...more
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